Scores by sport

No. 14 Covington rode a strong defensive effort and two second half scores to upend and upset No. 11 Central 20-14 in a Class 5A quarterfinal matchup on the Wildcats' home field to send the Lions to the semifinals for the first time since 1987.

“There’s a lot of tradition with this program,” said defensive back Andrew Breeland, who notched one of three Covington interceptions. “It’s been a long time since we’ve had that back. We worked very hard this season. As a team, we just bonded and the coaches have just done a great job. That heart we’ve been coming out with every week is getting us to where we want to go.”

Trailing 14-7 at the half, Covington (9-4) went to work on its second possession after intermission, going on a seven play 30-yard drive capped off by a 1-yard touchdown plunge by defensive lineman and LSU target Garrald McDowell to tie the score at 14. The scoring drive was set up off an interception by safety George Brister.

Central (11-2) started off its first drive of the fourth quarter on a good note when quarterback Jarrad Hayes found Gary Triplett for a 12-yard gain. Hayes went 15-of-26 for 219 yards and a touchdown. He also rushed for 29 yards on 10 attempts and a score. Triplett was Hayes’ favorite target on the night, snaring eight catches for 92 yards.

Two plays later, the Covington defense struck again when Breeland picked off Hayes and returned the ball to the Lions’ 25-yard line. On the very next play, Joshua Bickham provided the go-ahead score and scampered down the left sideline for the 25-yard touchdown run. Bickham was the work horse for Covington on the ground as he ran for 113 yards on 18 attempts and two touchdowns.

The Wildcats had one last chance to score, but Brian Armstrong dashed Central’s hopes when he notched the third Covington interception of the half with 51 seconds remaining. The Lions were able to run out the clock on their last possession.

Covington will now play second-seeded Parkway in the semifinals.

After giving up 245 yards and 14 points in the first half, the Covington defense clamped down and limited Central to 82 total yards and no points.

“We were just real fortunate to get (Central) in some throwing situations,” Covington Coach Greg Salter said. “We were able to get our dime package in there which was our quicker kids. We just played a little more aggressive with a little more help over the top in those critical situations where they had to throw the ball.”

Said Breeland: “The only adjustment we made was a mental adjustment. We knew that if we wanted to win that we had to shut them out in the second half, and that’s what we did. That’s what allowed us to come back and get this victory.”

Covington parlayed all of its scores on turnovers or big plays by its defense and special team. The Lions set up their first touchdown of the game off a blocked field goal in the second quarter.

“Covington has a great team,” Central Coach Sid Edwards said. “They did some things coverage wise to cause us some problems. But I think the big deal was that they were able to put some pressure on us by rushing the quarterback. And I think that was the difference.”

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Andrew Valenti can be reached at avalenti@nola.com or 504.826.3405. Follow him on twitter at twitter.com/Valenti_Andrew.